There are lights on the tree,
and at the top the angel spreads her gold wings.
In her presence,
the words that describe what has been done to us
are difficult to say.

I hope that the doctors and the scientists who care about freedom,
are working together to stop the destructive use of science and technology
in a vicious system of persecution.

On the television, in the newspapers, on the Internet,
I now see stories being told, which need to be told.

In this season of joy,
I wish that the attacks on our people
will come to an end.

It is Hanukkah, Ramadan, Kwanza, Winter Solstice.
I have wrapped presents for those whom I love
and placed them under the tree.
It is last year's tree, in from the deck
where over the year it grew taller and stronger.
I look forward to the pleasure of bringing it back outdoors
where it belongs.

I grew up believing that I lived in a land
where freedom was cherished.
I thought that meant
that all of us were free.